Boundary review launches for three Fergus schools
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 9, 2013
GUELPH, Ontario — A report that is the first step in a boundary review for three Fergus elementary schools was received on October 8 by trustees of the Upper Grand District School Board at Business Operations Committee.
The goal of the review is to establish viable boundaries or grade structures for James McQueen PS, JD Hogarth PS and John Black PS. Both regular track and French Immersion (FI) programs will be included in the review.
Trustees were told that the boundary review is necessary because of anticipated enrolment pressures at James McQueen PS. The school is projected to be at 132% of its effective capacity in 2015, based on its current boundaries for JK-4 French Immersion (FI) and JK-6 regular track. The school’s small 2.1 acre site is not ideally suitable for expansion or portables.
The increase in enrolment is tied to the planned introduction of Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) at James McQueen PS and JD Hogarth PS in September 2014. FDK was begun at John Black PS in 2010-2011 because it had immediately available classroom space.
An FDK renovation planned for completion at James McQueen PS by September 2014 will see three existing classrooms converted into two larger, purpose-built FDK classrooms. JD Hogarth PS is currently undergoing a two-storey addition and interior renovations that will add four new classrooms.
The 2014-2015 school year is the last in a 5-year implementation plan for the provincially mandated FDK program.
The projected enrolment at JD Hogarth PS is also on the rise, but the school’s 12.9 acre site is better suited to handling excess capacity with port-a-paks and portables. Currently the school hosts JK-8 regular track and grades 5-8 FI.
John Black PS currently offers a JK-8 regular track program. At present the school is operating at less than its full capacity. Projections suggest there will be a decline in enrolment.
Next steps for the boundary review:
- The committee decision to approve Report #1 must be ratified at the regular board meeting on October 22.
- Alternative boundary scenarios are to be developed by the Staff Boundary Review Committee from October to December 2013.
- A second Boundary Review report with shortlisted scenarios, an analysis and implementation details will be presented to Trustees at the Business Operations Committee meeting on December 10, 2013.
- A public information session will take place on December 12, 2013 from 7 to 9 p.m. at JD Hogarth PS. There will be a staff presentation, a question and answer session, and an opportunity to provide feedback (i.e. comments sheets).
Interested persons can read Report #1 on the boundary review’s web page at www.ugdsb.ca/jmbr. Visitors to the site can also sign up to receive alerts whenever significant new content is added, and submit feedback through an online form.
For more information:
Maggie McFadzen, Communications Officer
519-822-4420 ext.725
[email protected]
Mark Weidmark, Administrative Officer – Communications
519-822-4420 ext.544
[email protected]
Categories: Media Releases